Arsenal, who had won all eight of their league-phase
matches, were held to a 2-2 draw by Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the first leg of the
UEFA Champions League Last-16 tie on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Leverkusen,
Germany.
The Premier League leaders fell behind moments after
half-time when a corner from Grimaldo found Robert Andrich unmarked at the far
post, allowing the German midfielder to head Leverkusen into the lead.
Arsenal struggled for fluency, failing to convert
several early free-kick opportunities, and were caught out defensively despite
dominating possession in parts of the match. Leverkusen, with a young side
still finding consistency this season, capitalized on Arsenal’s tentative
approach and looked dangerous on the counter, particularly through teenage
forward Christian Kofane.
Arsenal earned a reprieve late in the game when
substitute Malik Tillman was adjudged to have fouled Noni Madueke in the box.
Kai Havertz, who had been subbed on earlier, calmly converted the penalty
against his first professional club to level the score and secure a crucial
away goal.
Despite Arsenal’s frustrations, they now need just a
win at the Emirates Stadium in the return leg next week to advance to the
quarter-finals for a third consecutive season. Leverkusen, meanwhile, showed
they remain a threat with their set-piece efficiency and sharp counter-attacks,
making the second leg an intriguing encounter.
Both sides will meet again next week as Arsenal aim to
assert their dominance at home, while Leverkusen will seek to exploit their
attacking potential and continue their European challenge.
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